The project will generate 2000 jobs in construction and an additional
1500 in operation and the miner says a flexible 100 per cent FIFO
workforce is needed for the projects.

However critics say there is more than enough housing at affordable prices in the region to sustain a local workforce.

"You can't keep building mining camps. People don't really understand
that these camps have killed the spirit of mining towns,” de Ryk said.

"FIFO workers now get on a plane or a bus and go straight to their camp
and work there seven days on and fly back. They don't even see Moranbah
and they don't spend any money in the town."

BMA’s plan has prompted Isaac Mayor Anne Baker to urge the Queensland state government to reject the mining camp proposal.

"If the Queensland Government condones 100% forced FIFO work practices
at Red Hill, they are effectively allowing BMA to cut jobs in the region
and lay the foundation for regional decline,” Baker said.

A BMA spokeswoman said flexible employees need to be retained given the uncertain timing of the expansion plans.

The company's plans are currently before Queensland’s Co-ordinator General.

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